When people start planning a trip around the USA, the same names usually come up first: New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami and San Francisco. And honestly, I completely understand why. They are incredible cities with plenty to see and do. But some of the most interesting American cities are the ones that don’t always make it onto the usual travel itinerary.
Across the country, there are cities with fascinating history, beautiful architecture, incredible landscapes and completely different personalities that don’t get nearly as much attention. Some are perfect for a weekend, while others make great stops on a longer road trip.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little different for your next USA trip, these are 10 underrated cities in the USA that are well worth adding to your list.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is one of those cities that can easily surprise you. Once known mainly for its steel industry, the city has transformed into a lively destination with impressive architecture, museums and some genuinely beautiful views.
Pittsburgh sits where the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers meet, with steep hills surrounding downtown. This gives the city a skyline that looks particularly impressive from above. One of the best places to take in the skyline is Mount Washington. Take the historic Duquesne Incline up the hillside for panoramic views across downtown and the three rivers.
Back in the city, the Strip District is a fun area to explore, with markets, cafés and independent shops. You can also visit the Andy Warhol Museum, the Museum of Illusions, the Carnegie Museums or the beautiful Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
What makes Pittsburgh interesting is that it feels like a proper city without the overwhelming pace of somewhere like New York. It’s a great option if you want a few days of city exploring somewhere a little different.
Richmond, Virginia
If you’re interested in American history, Richmond is a fascinating city to visit. As Virginia’s capital, it played an important role in the American Revolution and later became the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. The city’s history is easy to find, but Richmond isn’t stuck in the past. Today, it has a lively arts scene, independent shops, breweries and plenty of green space along the James River.
The Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, is one of the city’s most important landmarks. The American Civil War Museum is another worthwhile stop, offering a detailed look at the conflict from multiple perspectives.
For some time outdoors, head to the James River Park System. You can hike, cycle and kayak here, with Belle Isle being a popular spot for walking and enjoying views of the river.
Richmond is also compact enough to explore over a long weekend, making it an easy addition to a Virginia road trip.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is often overshadowed by Chicago, which sits only around 90 miles away, but that’s part of what makes it an interesting alternative. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has a mix of waterfront scenery, historic neighbourhoods and a long brewing history.
The Milwaukee Art Museum is one of the city’s standout attractions. Its spectacular Santiago Calatrava-designed building sits right beside the lake, with its famous movable Burke Brise Soleil opening to a width of 217 feet.
The Historic Third Ward is another area worth exploring. Former warehouses have been turned into restaurants, galleries, shops and cafés, while the Milwaukee Public Market is a good place to stop for something to eat.
If you’re interested in Milwaukee’s brewing history, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to learn more about the industry that helped shape Milwaukee. And during summer, the lakefront is a particularly lovely place to spend an afternoon.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque feels completely different from the major cities on the US East and West Coasts. Set in the high desert of New Mexico, it combines Native American, Hispanic and Southwestern cultures with dramatic mountain scenery.
The city sits at around 5,300 feet above sea level, with the Sandia Mountains rising to the east. One of the best ways to experience the landscape is the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, which travels more than 2.7 miles from the city to Sandia Peak at over 10,000 feet.
Back in the city, Old Town Albuquerque is a great place to explore. Its adobe buildings, historic churches, galleries and small shops reflect the city’s Spanish colonial history, dating back to the founding of Albuquerque in 1706.
New Mexican cuisine is another big part of the city’s identity, particularly its use of green and red chile. If you visit in October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is another major highlight, with hundreds of hot-air balloons filling the desert sky.
For international visitors, Albuquerque offers a very different side of the USA, with a landscape and culture that feel completely distinct from the country’s better-known cities.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is another Midwestern city that deserves more attention. Sitting along the Ohio River, it has beautiful 19th-century architecture, an interesting history and a food tradition that is very much its own.
The Over-the-Rhine neighbourhood is a good place to start. Once a German immigrant district, it is now one of Cincinnati’s liveliest areas, with restored historic buildings, restaurants, breweries and independent shops.
One thing you should try while you’re here is Cincinnati chilli. Unlike the traditional chilli many visitors might expect, Cincinnati chilli is usually served over spaghetti and topped with ingredients such as shredded cheese, onions and beans. It’s definitely different, but it’s also one of the city’s most famous local specialities.
For more history and culture, visit the Cincinnati Museum Centre inside Union Terminal, a spectacular 1930s Art Deco building. You can also walk across the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge into Kentucky for great views back towards the city.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga is one of the best choices on this list if you want to combine a city break with outdoor adventures. Located along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is surrounded by mountains, forests and waterfalls. You can explore downtown in the morning and be out on a hiking trail by the afternoon.
Lookout Mountain is one of the main attractions. Rock City Gardens has walking paths through unusual rock formations and viewpoints that can stretch across seven states on a clear day. Nearby, Ruby Falls is an underground waterfall located inside Lookout Mountain.
Back in the city, the Tennessee Aquarium is one of Chattanooga’s biggest attractions, while the Tennessee Riverwalk connects several parts of the waterfront. The combination is what makes Chattanooga so appealing. You get restaurants, museums and cafés in the city, but you’re never far from hiking trails and mountain scenery.
Boise, Idaho
Boise doesn’t usually appear on international visitors’ USA itineraries, which is a shame because Idaho’s capital has plenty to offer. The city sits along the Boise River and has a strong outdoor culture. The Boise Greenbelt stretches for around 25 miles along the river, giving you an easy way to explore the city on foot or by bike.
Downtown Boise is compact and easy to explore, but the Basque Block is one of the city’s most interesting areas. Boise has one of the largest Basque communities in the United States, and the neighbourhood celebrates that heritage through restaurants, cultural institutions and events. It’s also a fun city for a scavenger hunt, with landmarks, public art and historic spots dotted around downtown, making it easy to turn a walk through Boise into a self-guided adventure.
The Boise Foothills begin almost immediately outside the city, with hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. The views across the Treasure Valley are particularly beautiful from higher up. If you want a USA city break that feels closely connected to nature, Boise is a really interesting option.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah may not be completely unknown to travellers, but compared with cities like New York, Miami and even nearby Charleston, it still feels surprisingly under the radar for many international visitors. And it’s beautiful.
Founded in 1733, Savannah is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and is famous for its historic squares, oak trees covered in Spanish moss and beautifully preserved architecture. The Historic District is the heart of the city, with more than 20 historic squares connected by walkable streets. Forsyth Park is one of the most recognisable spots, with its large fountain and tree-lined paths.
One of the best things about Savannah is simply walking around. You can spend hours exploring historic streets, admiring old houses and stopping at cafés without needing a packed itinerary. The city also has a strong Southern food scene, but its historic atmosphere is really the main reason to visit. And if you have more time, Tybee Island is only around 20 minutes away for an easy beach escape.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis has one of the most recognisable landmarks in the American Midwest, but the city itself is often overlooked by travellers. The Gateway Arch rises 630 feet above the Mississippi River and is one of America’s most distinctive monuments. You can take a small tram to the top for views across the city, although seeing the enormous structure from ground level is impressive in itself.
Beyond the Arch, Forest Park is one of the city’s biggest highlights. It’s larger than New York’s Central Park and contains several major attractions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, St. Louis Zoo and Missouri Botanical Garden.
St. Louis also has a few very distinctive local foods worth trying, including toasted ravioli and St. Louis-style pizza, which is known for its thin crust and square slices. For travellers who want plenty to see and do without the prices of some of America’s biggest tourist cities, St. Louis is well worth considering.
Portland, Maine
Portland is proof that you don’t need a huge skyline to have a great city break. Located on Maine’s southern coast, Portland combines a historic waterfront with excellent seafood, independent shops, galleries and easy access to the coastline.
The Old Port is the heart of the city, with cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick warehouses, restaurants and small boutiques. It’s especially lovely in the evening when the waterfront starts to come alive.
Seafood is a big part of Portland’s identity, with Maine lobster, oysters and clams all featuring heavily on local menus. If you want to get out onto the water, you can also take a ferry into Casco Bay and visit some of the islands nearby.
Portland is also a great base for exploring the wider Maine coast, particularly if you’re planning a New England road trip.
Why These Cities in the USA Are Worth Visiting
One of the things I love about travelling around the USA is how different each city can feel. You can visit one place and find skyscrapers and huge museums, then drive a few hours and discover completely different architecture, landscapes, history and culture.
These underrated cities in the USA may not have the same international recognition as New York or Los Angeles, but that’s exactly what makes them interesting. They’re places where you can slow down, explore at your own pace and experience a side of America that many visitors miss.
If you’re planning your next USA adventure, have a look around the Travel For Phoebe blog for more travel guides, itineraries and tips. And don’t forget to join me on YouTube for more adventures from around the world.